The Master was pleased that He had made rose He sent a fragrant rain to give it a dose Of life giving water that made rose grow And blossum with pretty flowers like unto a rainbow

When your life is troubled and filled with doubt and fears Look at dew on roses, and remember Jesus' tears As they placed crown of thorns upon His sweet head Father forgive them is words He said

The rose reminds us of this earthly life The thorns amongst beauty are as sharp as a knife But knicks and cuts are worth prize Beautiful roses on table, no matter what size.

Copyright 2004 Irvin L. Rozier

Once stalk turns yellow or brown, it is obvious that no blossoms or plants will be produced. You can then cut it to within an inch from where blossom stalk originated on plant. You can also cut it there when it is green if you don't mind losing potential blossoms. Another option is to just remove end of blossom stalk to shorten stalk, but retain enough so that it may bloom again. If you do this, cut it back to about 1/4 inch above a node (indicated by a small leaf-like bract clasping stalk).